Skincare doesn’t have to be complicated. But once you start adding serums into your routine, especially more than one, it can get a little overwhelming. What goes first? Can you use both? Will your skin break out if you use the wrong one first?
Layering your face serums properly can make a real difference. It helps each one absorb properly, keeps your skin barrier happy, and makes the most of your ingredients. So if you’ve got a vitamin C serum, niacinamide serum, retinol alternative or any combo of Saya’s serums and you’re wondering how to use them together, this is for you.
Let’s keep it simple.
Why layering matters
Face serums are where the good stuff lives. They’re packed with active ingredients designed to tackle specific concerns like breakouts, dryness, dullness or fine lines. The key is using them in the right order so nothing gets blocked or diluted.
General rule? Water-based serums always go before anything creamy or oil-based.
Morning vs Night - what your skin actually needs
In the morning:
Start fresh with a cleanse
Use our Glow Serum (vitamin c loves your skin from the inside out)
Then use our Super Serum for hydration and skin barrier support (niacinamide + hyaluronic acid = dream team)
Moisturise
Always finish with SPF (we generally go for a natural mineral based sunscreen)
At night:
Cleanse again to reset your skin (bonus points for a double cleanse)
Apply Renew Serum - our gentle retinol alternative with bakuchiol and peptides
Follow with a moisturiser to nourish and lock it all in while you sleep
Tips for your layering serums ritual
- Start with the lightest serum and build up
- Keep it simple in the morning - think protection and hydration
- Night is where you bring in the glow and support with ingredients like bakuchiol
- Your neck and chest deserve the same attention as your face
- If your skin is feeling overwhelmed, scale back. It’s not a race.
Can you mix actives? Here's what to know.
Some ingredients play nicely together. Others don’t. If you’re using a vitamin C serum, pair it with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid. Avoid combining with niacinamide unless they’re formulated to work together (ours are).
At night, bakuchiol is a star player for smoother skin and fine lines. Keep the rest of your routine minimal so it can shine.
Your go-to ritual with Saya serums
Use Glow Serum in the morning
Use Super Serum morning and/or night
Renew Serum at night
Add Brightening Peel once or twice a week (optional but amazing)
If you want the full ritual in one go, our Serum Trio includes all three and saves you $90. It's designed to work together - no stress, no guesswork.
You don’t need a huge routine or harsh products to get great skin. You just need the right serums, used in the right way. Think of it as a ritual. One that fits your skin, your schedule, and your goals.
Layering should feel grounding, not confusing. Keep it simple. And if you ever get stuck, we’re here to help.
Want to make it easy?
Explore the full serum collection or start with the Serum Trio here.
